Government Moves to Recognise Domestic Work as Formal Employment Sector

17-Jun-2026

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The government has initiated steps to formally recognise domestic work as a regulated employment sector and strengthen labour rights, the Ministry of Labour stated in a special media release.

The initiative is based on the International Labour Organization’s Convention No. 189 adopted in 2011, which promotes dignity, protection, and decent working conditions for domestic workers. International Domestic Workers’ Day was observed on June 15 under this theme.

Sri Lankan domestic workers, both local and overseas, play a vital role in childcare, elderly care, and household management, thereby contributing significantly to the national economy.

A committee led by the Secretary to the Ministry of Labour has already been appointed to propose legal reforms aimed at ensuring rights protection and creating a modern and inclusive work environment.

Following these amendments, the government also intends to ratify ILO Convention 189, which is expected to eliminate discrimination, exploitation, and workplace violence.

The ministry further noted that existing laws governing domestic workers in Sri Lanka date back to the colonial era, including the Domestic Servants Ordinance of 1871 (amended in 1936) and the Drivers Ordinance of 1912.

According to available statistics, the last official survey in 2016 recorded approximately 80,000 domestic workers in Sri Lanka, of whom around 66,000 were women.